Old Testament
Jeremiah 14:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes the devastation he witnesses in both the countryside and the city.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"If I go out to the countryside, I see people cut down by the sword. If I walk into the city, I see people wasting away from hunger. Even the prophets and priests wander through a land they no longer recognize.'"
If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes the devastation he witnesses in both the countryside and the city. He sees people killed by violence and others suffering from starvation. The situation is so dire that even the religious leaders, the prophets and priests, are lost and confused in a land that has become unrecognizable to them. This imagery highlights the severity of the crisis facing the people of Judah, emphasizing the widespread suffering and the failure of leadership to provide guidance or hope. The land, once familiar and prosperous, is now a place of despair and chaos, reflecting the consequences of turning away from God. Jeremiah's observations serve as a poignant reminder of the impact of sin and disobedience on a community, leading to destruction and loss of identity.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 14:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the consequences of turning away from God. It reminds us to seek spiritual guidance and support from our leaders and community, especially in times of crisis. We should also be aware of the suffering around us and respond with compassion and action.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 14:18 reveal about the state of Judah?
Jeremiah 14:18 illustrates the dire conditions in Judah, where violence and famine have devastated the population. The imagery of people being cut down by the sword and others wasting away from hunger highlights the severity of the crisis. This reflects not only physical suffering but also a spiritual desolation, as even the prophets and priests are depicted as lost in a land they no longer recognize, indicating a failure of leadership and guidance.
How can we apply Jeremiah 14:18 to our lives today?
Jeremiah 14:18 serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. In our lives, we can apply this by being vigilant about our spiritual health and the health of our communities. It encourages us to seek guidance from spiritual leaders and to be compassionate towards those suffering around us. Recognizing the signs of spiritual and moral decline can prompt us to take action and support those in need, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 14:18?
The themes in Jeremiah 14:18 include destruction, famine, and violence, which reflect the physical and spiritual crises in Judah. Additionally, it highlights leadership failure, as the prophets and priests are unable to provide direction or hope. Spiritual confusion is also a key theme, as the land has become unrecognizable due to the people's disobedience to God. These themes underscore the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God.
Why are the prophets and priests mentioned in Jeremiah 14:18?
The mention of prophets and priests in Jeremiah 14:18 emphasizes the failure of spiritual leadership during a time of crisis. These leaders, who are supposed to guide and support the people, are depicted as wandering in confusion, unable to recognize their own land. This highlights the broader theme of spiritual desolation and the impact of collective sin, as even those tasked with providing hope and direction are lost amidst the suffering.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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